Probe into soldier's death at Royal Windsor Horse Show may take more than 18 months
Inquest into Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan's death adjourned while Health and Safety Executive and Ministry of Defence investigations continue
Last updated 3 hours ago
Ongoing investigations into the death of a soldier at the Royal Windsor Horse Show may take up to 18 months or more, a coroner has said.
Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, who was part of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery reportedly fell from her horse on May 15 at around 7pm after exiting the Castle Arena in Windsor, and died at the scene.
An inquest into the 24-year-old’s death was opened on Wednesday at Berkshire Coroner’s Court and immediately adjourned as coroner Hannah Godfrey said investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Defence Safety Authority (DSA) – which is part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) – were ongoing.
Ms Godfrey told the hearing: “This was a death in the workplace.
“I would like to have the opportunity to consider the findings of these investigations before holding an inquest.”
The DSA and HSE investigations are expected to last between 12 and 18 months or more, the coroner said.
A date for the full inquest into the death of L/Bdr Sullivan was therefore not fixed and will be confirmed later.
A provisional cause of death was given at Wednesday’s hearing as “chest injuries” – but the coroner said it is subject to review.
A spokesperson for the HSE said on Wednesday: “We can confirm the Health and Safety Executive is leading the investigation into this incident and we are making inquiries.”
The King and members of the royal family were present at the arena at the time the incident took place but were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said previously.
He said Charles was “greatly shocked and saddened” to learn of L/Bdr Sullivan’s death and that he would be in touch with her family to share his condolences.
L/Bdr Sullivan was deployed at the late Queen’s state funeral in 2022 and the coronation of Charles and Camilla the following year.
The soldier, who was said to love horses and have a natural affinity for them, was remembered previously by her commanding officer as an “exceptional jockey” with an “infectious energy”.
She joined the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, near Woking, Surrey, in November 2020 and entered the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery in June 2021.
She had been involved in ceremonial operations with the troop, including multiple Royal Gun Salutes in Hyde Park and Green Park in London.
She had recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor and enjoyed working on developing young horses and training military ones, the MoD said previously.
L/Bdr Sullivan offered riding lessons to the mounted gunners in her sub-section and was often nominated to instruct officers in the King’s Troop, it added.
“She was passionate about everything to do with the Troop and participated in every extra activity available, including show jumping and The Troop Race,” the MoD said.